Project Engineer (Manufacturing Maintenance & Capital Projects)

Project Engineer (Manufacturing Maintenance & Capital Projects) Wallingford, CT
Salary: $74,000 - $105,000
We are seeking a Project Engineer to join an international manufacturing operations company. This role is responsible for managing and executing capital projects, equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and maintenance-related engineering initiatives that improve plant reliability, safety, and production performance.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading engineering projects within a manufacturing environment, including project scoping, design coordination, budgeting, installation, startup, and commissioning. This position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and external contractors to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility improvement initiatives from concept through startup and completion.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and cost estimates for maintenance and engineering projects.
• Manage all phases of project execution including engineering design, procurement, contractor management, installation, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Support plant reliability efforts by identifying opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
• Develop and oversee annual capital expenditure plans and track project spending against approved budgets.
• Coordinate engineering activities including design reviews, equipment specifications, vendor selection, and construction management.
• Ensure projects comply with company engineering standards, safety policies, environmental requirements, and OSHA regulations.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and technical personnel to identify operational improvements and implement effective solutions.
• Support startup activities, operator training, maintenance training, and post-project performance evaluations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, productivity, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Prepare capital requests, project justifications, and project status updates for management review.
• Manage external vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers to ensure successful project delivery.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.

• 3-5+ years of experience in project engineering, plant engineering, maintenance engineering, reliability engineering, or capital project management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing equipment installations, capital projects, process improvements, or facility upgrades.
• Strong project management, organizational, and budgeting skills.
• Ability to develop cost estimates, project schedules, and technical specifications.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with OSHA and industrial safety requirements.
• Experience in a union manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Strong communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.

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